PrevActs 15:8Next

Acts 15

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

What does Acts 15:8 mean?

Explanation

Acts 15:8 is a verse that encapsulates the turning point in early Christian history where the Gospel is recognized as being for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, without the requirement for Gentiles to undergo Jewish customs.

In this verse, Peter is addressing the assembly at the Council of Jerusalem, affirming that God knows the hearts of individuals and has evidenced this by giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews.

The verse highlights the impartial nature of God, who does not differentiate based on ethnic or cultural backgrounds when it comes to granting the Holy Spirit to believers in Jesus Christ.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The book of Acts was written by Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, and it details the acts of the Apostles following the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Acts 15:8 takes place against the backdrop of the Council of Jerusalem, which was a significant meeting held to discuss the terms under which Gentiles could join the Christian community.

Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles needed to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law to be saved.

However, Peter, Paul, and Barnabas argued that salvation through Jesus Christ was offered to both Jews and Gentiles without such preconditions.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 15:8 underscores the doctrine of God's omniscience (His all-knowing nature) and His sovereignty in salvation. It also highlights the essential Christian belief in the work of the Holy Spirit as the one who convicts, converts, and sanctifies believers.

This verse is often cited to support the doctrine of justification by faith alone, without the requirement for adherence to the ceremonial law of Moses.

Different theological views might emphasize various aspects of this scripture.

For example, a Calvinist might focus on God's sovereignty and election, seeing the bestowal of the Holy Spirit as evidence of God choosing the Gentiles.

On the other hand, an Arminian might emphasize the universal availability and impartiality of God's grace to all who believe.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 15:8 serves as a reminder that God does not show favoritism based on external factors such as race, culture, or religious background.

This encourages believers to embrace inclusivity within the Christian community and to combat discrimination.

It also calls Christians to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their own hearts and in the lives of others, rather than outward signs or observances.

Cross-References

Acts 10:44-45: "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word."
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Romans 2:11: "For there is no respect of persons with God."
Ephesians 3:6: "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:"

Language Study

The phrase "which knoweth the hearts" is translated from the Greek "καρδιογνῶστης" (kardiognōstēs), meaning "heart-knower" or "one who knows the heart." In the Bible, the heart often symbolizes the seat of emotions, will, and thoughts; thus, God as the "kardiognōstēs" implies His deep discernment of human intentions.

The term "bare them witness" comes from the Greek word "μαρτυρέω" (martyreō), meaning "to bear witness" or "testify." This term has legal connotations, suggesting God's testimonial approval of the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Acts 15:8 reflects notions of divine impartiality found in various religions and philosophies.

In many ancient cultures, the idea of an all-knowing deity who sees into the hearts of people and judges with fairness is common.

For instance, the Egyptian goddess Ma'at personified truth and justice, aligning with the idea of an impartial judge.

However, the Christian concept of God giving the Holy Spirit to individuals is unique to Christianity and distinguishes it from other ancient myths or religions where gods might favor certain individuals based on lineage or offerings.

Scientific Perspectives

Science generally does not directly intersect with supernatural beliefs, as the granting and receiving of the Holy Spirit involve spiritual dimensions that are beyond empirical measurement.

However, the notion that God "knoweth the hearts" can be metaphorically understood in light of psychological studies on intentions, motives, and conscience, which seek to understand the complexities of human inner experiences.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have examined Acts 15:8 through various lenses.

John Calvin commented on God’s knowing of the hearts as evidence that external ceremonies (like circumcision) were not necessary for salvation.

Matthew Henry emphasized the equitableness of the Lord in giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles without partiality.

Modern commentaries might focus on the ecumenical implications of this verse, pointing to the need for unity in the Church despite differences in cultural or denominational background.

Evangelical scholars often discuss this verse in the context of missions, underscoring the importance of spreading the Gospel to all nations without prejudice.

Acts 15

Acts 15

What does Acts 15:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 15:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?